Shantidoot Amrender Muniji

Author(s): Padmini Atal
Publisher: Universal Ahimsa Foundation

Page 28

And so, at an auspicious time, Shri Shukal Chand Ji Maharaj gave the deeksha (initiation) mantra to Amar. The date of this long awaited day in Amar's life was 17th April 1962.
Amar took a vow of ahinsa (non violence) and satya (to always tell the truth), asteya (never steal), brahmacharya (celibacy), and aparigraha (non possessiveness). His name was henceforth pronounced to be “Amrender Muni”.
The vows were very strict. The vow of ahinsa required him to pledge non violence by mind, word and action. He had to vow that not only would he not harm any living creature himself, but also not ask anyone else to harm them or support anyone who harmed them. Jain monks recognize 6 types of life forces:
Creatures that live in the earth, water, fire, (yes, Jains believe that there is a creature that lives in fire) air, vegetation (living creatures who are fixed to one spot) and creatures that move.
To fulfill a demanding monastic vow at a young age is not easy. It requires a disposition towards the monastic life. It also needs an inner illumination of the soul and a nurturing spiritual atmosphere. Amar was fortunate to have had all these and he joined the ranks of other young Indian saints like Nachiketa, Prahlad, Dhruv and Shankaracharya.
Before Initiation 17th April 1962:Amar at the feet of Rev Shri Shukal Chand Ji Maharaj &
surrounded by his family members.
Rev Shri Shukal Chand Ji Maharaj chants the Mangalpath or auspicious blessings for Amar before his initiation.
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